Asiatic Garden Beetle

Scientific Name: Maladera castanea

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Scarabaeidae

Size: Approximately 8-10 mm (about 3/8 inch) in length.

Asiatic Garden Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found in gardens, lawns, and around outdoor lighting; common in the northeastern United States.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on foliage and flowers of over 100 different plants at night. Larvae (grubs) feed on the roots of grasses and ornamentals.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal and strongly attracted to lights. During the day, they hide in the soil or under mulch. They typically emerge as adults in the early summer.

Risks & Benefits

They are a common garden pest that can damage ornamental plants and vegetables. The grubs can damage lawns. They are not harmful to humans or pets.

Identified on: 5/12/2026